Stars of David: Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra’s life was full of inconsistencies. But in his support for Israel he was remarkably consistent.

He was the poor kid from Hoboken who became what is now, and will always be one of the world’s greatest pop music icons: They Can't Take That Away, I've Got You Under My Skin, Witchcraft, Come Fly With Me, The Lady Is A Tramp, It Was A Very Good Year, Strangers In The Night, My Kind Of Town, New York, New York, Fly Me to the Moon, One For My Baby, One For The Road.

His name? Francis Albert Sinatra.

He didn’t just sing a song, he owned it.

Then there were his films: The Manchurian Candidate, From Here to Eternity, The Man With the GoldenArm, Kings Go Forth, High Society, Pal Joey,Some Came Running, Never So Few, A Hole in the Head, On the Town, and Ocean's 11 with the Rat Pack Step Lively, None But the Brave (directed by Sinatra), The Detective.

Frank Sinatra did Israel “our way.”

On vinyl, on screen, on stage, he was charismatic, hypnotic, confident. Off – stage the notes were often sour. His desperate desire for the high life, power and acceptance by the King makers often got him into trouble – with others, and within himself.

Despite all the contradictions, mood swings, and messes, one of his relatively few noble consistencies was Israel. He did Israel “our way” starting at a time when most stars, especially non-Jews, wouldn’t stand up, or gave a Pissaluto (Italian fig).

Yet we mustn’t confuse his love of Israel with a love for all “Jews.” While he’d raise a fist at wanton anti-Semitism, and offer to join a Minyan for a friend, he held some Jewish power brokers in contempt, and the ethnic insults flew. Yet, in Israel, he was so awed, he refrained from any such “jokes.” Israelis weren’t the Beverly Hills fat cats who’d treated him badly when Sinatramania waned until his comeback in From Here to Eternity (1953). They were battling pioneers.

Francis Albert Sinatra was born December 12, 1915, in Hoboken, New Jersey, the only child of Italian immigrants Natalie Della (Garaventa) and Antonino Martino Sinatra. If father, “Marty,” a local fire Captain, wanted his son to play it safe, Mama “Dolly” infused her Frankie with her fire, fearlessness, and her “direct,” if sometimes foul mouth.

With Mama’s help, Frankie went from singing for tips to making his career with Harry James, then Tommy Dorsey – though he never learned to read music, relying only on his gift of style, phrasing, and taste. By 1942, the kid inspired mass hysteria among the Bobby-Soxers who swooned over songs such as I'll Never Smile Again.

Most Sinatra fans know his life was the stuff of soaps that make today’s reality TV seem like Sesame Street.

There were his marriages: The long-suffering Big Nancy (to differentiate between daughter Nancy) who always offered comfort. The tempestuous, independent Ava Gardner. Then there were the Mia Farrow days at the behest of Old Guard Hollywood to anoint the 50-year-old Mr. S. with “the pedigree” he coveted (her parents were John Farrow and Maureen O’Sullivan). His last wife was Barbara Marx who he married in 1976 until his death in 1998. Yet getting “Ava” Gardner back was his lifelong obsession although it never ended “his way.”

The mob: He loved their personae and courted them. For Mr. S. they were “power” outside the lines; visionaries; the Big Bad Boys who would roll the dice and risk it all to get it all, even while he loathed drugs which were part of their business. The fantasy of the 97 pound weakling, was, in part, about business. Sinatra wanted to be an owner, not just a player. The mob helped him get a piece of his own rock: The new Sands, then the Cal-Neva Lodge at Tahoe. When things got dicey with the government, he changed allegiances and lost his heroes.

Politics: He famously played ball with Joe Kennedy to frolic in JFK’s rose garden. Mr. S. stumped, called in favors, screwed over pals, and spent a fortune … only to be humiliated. Once JFK was in office, the Kennedy’s summarily dismissed him. Once again, he changed allegiances.

The Sinatra-Israel Connection

It’s been speculated that his love for “Jews” started when an affectionate neighbor gave him a small mezuzah which he proudly wore around his neck for years. He donated a quarter of a million dollars in Israel Bonds to honor her. But his admiration for Israel was far more complex.

In Israel, he found a piece of himself; a whole country of gritty, courageous underdogs who had survived – as he had. Could there be anything nobler; more personal to Mr. S.?

Sinatra stepped forward in the early 1940s, when names were needed to rouse America into saving Europe’s remaining Jews. He starred in The House I Live In (1945), a ten-minute short film about anti-Semitism, which received an Honorary Academy Award on Israel’s 14th Independence Day in 1962.

He donated $100,000 and raised funds for the film, Genocide, about the Holocaust, a project of the Wiesenthal Center, which won a Best Documentary Oscar in 1982. Mr. S. also became a Board member of the Wiesenthal Center.

In 1947, he sang at an “Action for Palestine” rally, and contributed substantially to the coffers when Golda Meir returned to North America to raise $50 million in private contributions in preparation for Statehood.

His big risk was in 1948. Sinatra was singing at the Copacabana in New York, controlled by the mafia with whom Sinatra had become enmeshed. The Copa was next door to the hotel out of which Haganah members were operating. When a stranger asked him to deliver a package to a cab driver at the pier, he complied without question – and with much risk. That stranger was Teddy Kollek and the package? Major gelt for the purchase of arms for the fledgling Jewish state.

Less known is Sinatra in Israel (1962), a short 30-minute featurette. That same year he gave a memorable speech in Jerusalem urging world support of Israel. (As a result, many Arab countries banned his records and films.)

Among his many donations was a million dollars for an “International Student Center” at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem Center (which made heartbreaking headlines when terrorists bombed it in 2002, killing nine people) and The Arab-Israel Youth Center in Nazareth which focuses on co-existence programs for children.

1966 was also a very good year for Israel and Mr. S. He played a role in "Cast a Giant Shadow," donating his salary to the Arab-Israel Youth Center.

Scene from Cast a Giant Shadow

For its part, Israel didn’t just roll out the red carpet for Sinatra; he was treated more like a VP than a “mere” VIP, sitting on reviewing stands with Ben-Gurion, and Moshe Dayan. When Mr. S. was uncharacteristically interested in seeing the country, including the Golan Heights, the Israelis contacted the Syrians to hold fire. If the government knew of his “other side,” well, We Jews are a practical people. How does the singer’s connection with some mobsters in Vegas compare to the vital work of insuring Israel’s survival? In 1978 Israel awarded him the prestigious National Scopus Award in recognition of his contributions.

Throughout his illustrious career, despite his mood swings and changes in allegiances, on this issue -- Israel -- Sinatra never wavered.

The King with the shaky crown died, ironically on May 14, 1998-- exactly 50 years from the official declaration of Israeli independence. The words on his grave marker are: "The Best Is Yet to Come."

Perhaps the greatest sadness is … he was one of the greats, but didn’t believe it. And the greatest joy? Millions of Israelis are better off for his courage and his comfort.

Related Articles:

About the Author

Quirky, no-nonsense, funny, Marnie – writer, editor, author, lecturer, clinician, and administrator -- is a straight-shooter, who has a distinctive voice and takes on the world in her columns, features, and books. Her advice column was syndicated through Tribune Media Services, and it currently appears in Singular magazine as Singular Solutions. Marnie has written over 20 books/calendars, including the series “A Little Joy, A Little Oy." Her books include Yiddishe Mamas: The Truth About the Jewish Mother and A Little Joy, A Little Oy (pub. AndrewsMcMeel). She is also an award-winning “calendar queen” having written over 20. She has been nominated for both an Emmy and Writers Guild award.Thefullwiki.org has listed Marnie Macauley on their list of top Jewish_American writers, dead or living. (She’s still deciding which.) She was also chosen as a Distinguished Woman in Las Vegas in March of 2014.

Visitor Comments: 29

(20)
Jack Beyda,
April 13, 2014 10:10 PM

I started listening to Sinatra records when I was 12yrs. Old.im still listening to his music I went to see him at the copacabana,boom,boom room in Miami gambled with him and orsen wells in Las Vegas they dint even know I was there. I'm so happy when I read how much he cared about the state of Israel. God bless him

(19)
Danny,
October 24, 2012 1:54 AM

Thanks so much!

Thanks so much for your reply, Marney. I really liked the article. Danny

(18)
Nettie,
October 21, 2012 3:56 PM

Another astounding article

I guess ny now I should not be astounded by anything Marnie writes but she still amazes me. I have read other articles about Sinatra's love for Israel but none with the intensity, amount of information, film footage or organization that this article provides. Marnie you have written another wonderful piece of history for future generations. My Congratulations.

(17)
Joan Levin Sacks,
October 21, 2012 3:13 AM

Thanks Marnie

Wonderful article. Joan Levin sacks, Scottsdale, Arizona

(16)
Danny,
October 21, 2012 1:44 AM

I don't get it

What does this mean and ''offer to join a Minyan for a friend'', he wasnt jewish?!

marnie, the author,
October 21, 2012 9:53 PM

Hi Danny

Actually, it's a well known story, and one I knew personally, as the friend, a well-known writer, needed another person for a minyan, I believe it was for a relative who had passed on. He and Frank knew each other and Frank drove over to see if he could fill in. Of course he couldn't, but the offer was made and very appreciated by our mutual friend.
Shalom with love, Marnie

(15)
Dvorah,
October 19, 2012 8:14 PM

Sinatra had Jewish ancestory

I have done a little research about Mr. S and his name used to be Austerlitz and he has Jewish roots. Either way, he had the strength and the courage to stand up for Israel, running the risk of losing his popularity. Great article, thank you allowing me to learn such posiitve traits about a talented mega giant in the music, acting and dancing world.

Suzanne,
October 23, 2012 2:33 AM

Are you sure it was Frank Sinatra who had Jewish roots?

I think you might mean Fred Astaire. I believe that his last name might have originally been Austerlitz. Not sure if Fred had any Jewish ancestry, however.

Marnie, the author,
October 25, 2012 10:08 PM

Frank was Italian

I didn't look for Jewish roots, but certainly he was raised Roman Catholic.
Thanks for writing, Shalom with love, Marnie

(14)
David,
October 19, 2012 5:11 PM

Sinatra went to Shul

In the 90's Mr. Sinatra and wife had seats reserved for them at Temple Isaiah in Palm Springs and there names were/are on a plaque as ''builders.'' While Sinatra wasn't Jewish and there is no indication that he followed Judaism, he frequently went to synagogue with his wife and made many contributions there.

(13)
Martine,
October 18, 2012 8:33 AM

SCOPUS AWARD

Dear Marnie,
Actually, it wasn't a "National Scopus Award" but rather a "Scopus Award" bestowed on him by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (maybe by the American Friends of the University?).

MARNIE, THE AUTHOR,
October 18, 2012 8:20 PM

SCOPUS AWARD

Thanks for writing Martine ... we're both right but you're "righter." :)
Here's what I found:
American Friends of the Hebrew University, which has diversified programs and events to foster awareness of and support for The Hebrew University of Jerusalem also honors supporters and friends for their role in furthering AFHU’s mission and for their unwavering dedication to Israel.
National Scopus Award
The National Scopus Award is the highest honor the American Friends can confer. Named for Mount Scopus, where The Hebrew University’s first cornerstones were laid in 1918, the award has come to symbolize the University’s highest ideals. It is awarded to individuals who demonstrate humanitarian concerns throughout their careers. The award, originally designed as a representation of Mount Scopus, now calls to mind the Mount Scopus campus of The Hebrew University, which sits like a crown atop Jerusalem – a fitting site for “The University of the Jewish People.”
In addition to Frank Sinatra, some past recipients of the award include: Leonard Bernstein, Isaac Stern, Elie Wiesel, Itzhak Perlman, Peter Ueberroth, Harvey M. Krueger, Stanley M. Bogen, Gerald Ford, Nancy Reagan, Frank Lautenberg, Edward Kennedy, Jeanne Kirkpatrick, Milton Friedman, Neil Simon, Barbara Walters, Zubin Mehta, Steven Spielberg, Carl Levin, Saul Bellow, Benjamin Netanyahu, George Schultz, Joseph Antonini, Alex Grass, Quincy Jones, Henry A. Panasci, Jr., Billy Crystal, Tom Ridge, Jack Rudin and Frank Gehry.
Shalom with love, Marnie

(12)
Michael,
October 18, 2012 4:22 AM

The Jewish People are easy to Love !

I am a gentile from Chicago with a Jewish blood line. Growing up on the west side of Chicago (1950-1960') there were many Jewish merchants in the area.
These great Jewish people worked so very hard but were always there to help out ANYONE ! Their kindness overwhelmed me when I was just a small boy.
My parents needed money for my grandmother to get admitted to a hospital and the banks were closed. A good Jewish store owner gave my mother the money without a blink.
Now, most small merchants are not Jewish. We lost many a honest and loving people in the small business world. I have never met a Jew who was not a kind person, especially the Jews born in the early 1900"s.
Till this day, I have great Love for all Jews and the State of Israel. The Jews I encounter in my life now are still good and loving people. Like Mr. Frank, there are so-so many people in the USA that love the Jewish people. Why... because a Jew will always help another human.
May G-d bless the beloved memory of Mr. Frank, Israel, and all Jew of the world. The world would be a sad world if the Jewish state is harmed.

marnie, the author,
October 18, 2012 8:29 PM

WHAT A GRACIOUS COMMENT

Michael ... how gracious of you. While there are loving, caring people of all backgrounds (and sadly, the reverse), tzedakah and mitvahs (righteousness and good deeds) are a critical part of Judaism, religiously and in practice.
Thanks for making the point.
Shalom with love, Marnie

(11)
BEV.,
October 18, 2012 3:43 AM

Interesting!!

very interesting article. informative. i enjoyed the writing as per usual.
bubbe

(10)
jonathan selcoe,
October 17, 2012 3:38 PM

good on you frank !! love the music with count basie!

a true star !!!

(9)
Rabbi Ben Lefkowitz,
October 17, 2012 3:36 PM

As always, Marnie gives us insight into something unusual that we just didn't know before. A fabulous portrait of the man behind the man. Keep up the great work!

(8)
lawrence,
October 16, 2012 7:21 PM

i agree with all of it, except that he was around until the late 1990's and not 1988 like it says.

(7)
stanley schwartz,
October 16, 2012 6:37 PM

stanley_schwartz437@msn.com

great and interesting information

Jonathan,
October 17, 2012 4:38 PM

I AGREE!!

I agree!! This information about one of the most iconic men in music is really very interesting and it's important that we all know that "Frankie" was a Jew. Like many of us Jews, he was a "rebel" and, of course, did whatever he did "his way!!"

(6)
william,
October 16, 2012 4:01 PM

sinatra popular in israel

A foreign volunteer with the israel defense force, I remember an Israeli sergeant who did not speak english but had memorized frank sinatra songs. He would come up and sing to you if he knew you were from the US. When he was killed in combat, his friends played his favorite sinatra tunes from his boombox to honor his memory. I have always liked sinatra tunes but now when I hear the music, I remember that soldier, I still like to hear the songs but they are bitter sweet reminders of my time in Israel.

jay vincennes,
October 17, 2012 3:52 PM

thanks

thanks for sharing a wonderful memory.

Anonymous,
October 18, 2012 8:23 PM

Beautiful story

Thanks so for telling it, especially as it's so poignant, given what Mr. S. did for Israel.
Shalom with love, Marnie

(5)
Anonymous,
October 16, 2012 3:14 PM

I also have read about Frank Sinatra's support for Israel. But what is interesting is that Marlon Brando was also a supporter at the same time but later on in his life he was very verbal about is antisemitism. You could watch the video on YouTube.

(4)
Miriam,
October 16, 2012 2:21 PM

Great article

but a bit TMI about his private life. Wonderful article, though!

marnie, the author,
October 16, 2012 8:22 PM

Hi Miriam

Re: TMI. This was a challenging piece. As Mr. S. had some publicly rocky times, ties, and made some less noble choices, I wanted to insure some balance to avoid those who might rightly assert that we were ignoring these because of this ties to Israel while still giving credit where it was more than due.
Shalom with love, Marnie, and thanks for writing.

(3)
Jerry Murphy,
October 15, 2012 11:40 PM

I agree with Rhonda.

I never knew about Frank's admirations for Jews and Isreal. I was keenly aware that he refused to preform in Las Vegas unless the talented black entertainers and musicians were recognized and allowed to preform and I thought he made the transition from a teen age swooner to a very gifted movie actor. Good for Frank.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...